New Orleans Elopement Dates to Avoid in 2020

Not all dates are created equal when it comes to getting married. Whether you’re holding a traditional wedding or you’re planning on getting eloped, you need to be aware which days out of the year are a no go.

This is especially true if you’re getting eloped, because you have to factor in obtaining your marriage license when you’re at your destination.

The last thing you want is to plan your destination elopement on a federal holiday and you don’t even know it!

We’ve compiled a definitive list of holidays and special dates that could impact your elopement, including the days of New Orleans parades and special events.

Holidays and Special Dates in 2020

New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Sugar Bowl: Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 20, 2020

Super Bowl Sunday: Sunday, February 2, 2020

Valentine’s Day: Friday, February 14, 2020

Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 17, 2020

Mardi Gras: Thursday, February 20, 2020 through Tuesday, February 25, 2020

April Fool’s Day: Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Palm Sunday: Sunday, April 5, 2020; Sunday

Passover: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 through Thursday, April 16, 2020

Easter: Sunday, April 12, 2020

French Quarter Festival: Thursday, April 16 through Sunday, April 19 2020

Jazz Fest: Thursday, April 23 - Sunday, April 26 and Thursday, April 30 - Sunday, May 3rd

Mother’s Day: Sunday, May 10, 2020

Memorial Day: Monday, May 25, 2020

Father’s Day: Sunday, June 21, 2020

Fourth of July: Saturday, July 4, 2020

Labor Day: Monday, September 7, 2020

Rosh Hashanah: Friday September 18 through Sunday, September 20, 2020

Yom Kippur: Sunday, September 27 through Monday, September 28, 2020

Columbus Day: Monday, October 12, 2020

Halloween: Saturday, October 31, 2020

Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26, 2020

Christmas Eve: Thursday, December 24, 2020

Christmas Day: Friday, December 25, 2020

Kwanzaa: Saturday, December 26, 2020 through Friday, January 1, 2021

New Year’s Eve: Thursday, December 31, 2020

Special Dates to Consider For Your Elopement

Just because a holiday means more city congestion and possibly less options as to what may be booked, with the proper planning, some of these dates might work for an exceptionally magical elopement.

Mardi Gras is the perfect example.

Despite the fact that everything will be packed and the streets will be jammed during this period, with the right planning ahead of time, you could time your elopement specifically to incorporate this festival, and it would definitely make for some awesome memories!

Also keep in mind that depending on what area of New Orleans you are in, there could be a small festival or parade taking place that day. The city is full of art and culture and entire streets get shut down routinely. As long as you plan accordingly, this won't be an issue however.

In terms of preparing an elopement near a Federal holiday, keep track of the dates and make sure you know exactly what days and hours the local city offices will be open, so you can obtain your marriage license without hassle.

And remember, your elopement is what you make it. If you want "Christmas in New Orleans," you can make it happen. Just be sure to plan accordingly, take care of your legal tasks before the actual holiday, and book your hotel and restaurants well in advance!